Disney4me

Walt Disney’s “Bambi” recently celebrated its 75th anniversary, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom is the perfect place to celebrate this milestone with special Disney PhotoPass opportunities available at the park August 25-27. From 10:20 a.m. – 4 p.m. August 25-27, you can meet Thumper and Miss Bunny outside of Conservation Station at Rafiki’s Planet Watch! A Disney PhotoPass photographer will be there to capture your encounter with this lovable couple. During your visit to Rafiki’s Planet Watch, be sure to learn more about some of the animals featured in “Bambi” through up-close peeks into the habitats of species like the skunk, rabbit and opossum. While you’re exploring the animal exhibits and activities, be on the lookout for the PhotoPass photographer traveling around the area. This photographer can help you include a Bambi and friends Magic Shot or prop in your photos. One of the many memorable moments from the film is when Bambi interacts with a butterfly. With a Magic Shot, you can too! PhotoPass photographers at any of the following locations (except for those taking photos at Character Experience locations) can add a butterfly to your photo: park entrance, Discovery Island, Asia, Africa and Rafiki’s Planet Watch. Be sure to ask a photographer for this Magic Shot when visiting any of these locations! This Magic Shot is available daily at the park. While you’re enjoying these opportunities, don’t forget to share your photos with us using #DisneyAnimals and #DisneyPhotoPass. Can’t celebrate with us in person? Oh deer! Well don’t worry, you can still join in on the fun! With the I Spy Wildlife Adventure, you and your family can spend some time outdoors exploring nature and discovering the animals that live in your own backyard. You can also visit this page to find activities and crafts to celebrate Walt Disney’s beloved coming-of-age story. View the full article

On this day in Disney history, 75 years ago, theatergoers got their very first look at “Bambi,” the timeless coming-of-age story of Bambi and his forest friends. Released in 1942, “Bambi” was Disney’s first full-length animated film that focused on an animal cast of characters, living in nature. The film introduced not only Bambi, but his several of his beloved forest friends: Thumper the rabbit, Flower the skunk, and Faline, a doe. “Bambi” would go on to receive three Academy Award nominations, including nods for Best Song (“Love is a Song”), Best Score and Best Original Music Score. In honor of today’s milestone, enjoy the downloadable wallpaper below, which was created by Disney artist Jason Ratner. Be sure to check out the terms of use about using the wallpaper before you download it. Want to check out other designs? Visit our complete gallery of wallpapers here. View the full article

Who’s ready for a little cloak and dagger? Because today, we’re goin’ all undercover and stuff in our latest DFB Video, as we tell all about The Secret Menu at Disney’s all Star Movies Resort! Cinnamon Bun Burger! While the food items you’ll discover when you seek out the secret menu are pretty rad, there’s also a whole thing you go through to find out about them — and it’s nearly as cool as the menu itself! Wanna know more? Then check out our latest DFB Video! And if you love learning about this secret menu, there are lots more insider tips for you to enjoy over on our DFB YouTube Channel! By the way, have you subscribed yet? If you hit the button below, you can subscribe to the channel and never miss a single episode! So check out the video and then let us know: Will you head to All Star Movies Resort for a chance to dine on the Secret Menu? Leave a comment and share below! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: New DFB Video: Disneyland Secret Menu Items NEW!!: Shhh… All Star Movies Resort SECRET MENU in Walt Disney World!!! New DFB Video: Secret Menu (??????) at Cove Bar in Disney California Adventure View the full article

Whether your Halloween plans find you in California or Florida, Disney Vacation Club has a party for your family as part of Membership Magic Ever After. At Disneyland Resort, members and their guests will enjoy a Haunted Mansion-inspired party on Oct. 31 from 3-5 p.m. in the Sequoia Ballroom at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. Attending families, who are welcome to wear their Halloween costumes, will enjoy a DJ dance party, carnival-style games with prizes, face painters and a complimentary character photo, along with Halloween desserts, snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. The cost is $25 per person. Reservations are required and will become available through Member Services on Aug. 31. At Walt Disney World Resort, Members and their guests will channel their inner scoundrel during our pirate-themed parties on Oct. 31 from 3-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. in the Ballroom of the America’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Costumed and non-costumed families alike will receive a “Buccaneer Booty Bag” to fill with treats and treasures, meet a Walt Disney World Ambassador, and enjoy a DJ dance party, a pirate-themed selfie station, carnival-style games with prizes, face painters and a complimentary character photo, along with Halloween desserts, snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. The cost is $25 per person. Reservations are required and will become available through Member Services on Aug. 24. Costume Guidelines Before you brew up ideas for your next disguise, review our latest list of tips. While we encourage creativity, we also value safety and good judgment. Please take a moment to read over our latest rules and regulations: All Guests may dress as their favorite character, but may not pose for pictures or sign autographs for other Guests. Costumes must be family-friendly and may not be obstructive, offensive, objectionable or violent. Costumes may not contain any weapons that resemble or could easily be mistaken for an actual weapon. Costumes may not contain sharp objects, pointed objects or materials that may accidentally strike another guest. Layered costumes or costume props that surround the entire body are strongly discouraged and may be subject to additional security screening. Costumes may not reach or drag on the ground (e.g., full-length Princess dresses) For Guests Ages 13 and Under Costumes and some masks may be worn, as long the mask does not cover the entire face and eyes are visible. For Guests Ages 14 and Older Capes may be worn if the length does not go below the waist. Themed T-shirts, blouses, sweatshirts and hats are acceptable. Acceptable accessories include: transparent wings, plastic light sabers, toy swords and tutus. Headwear may be worn as long as it does not cover the face. Masks of any kind may not be worn, except for medical purposes. Guests who do not adhere to these guidelines may be refused entry into, and/or removed from, the event, unless his or her costume can be modified to meet the above standards. View the full article

The Disney Parks Moms Panelists enjoy helping guests make the most of their Disney vacations, especially first-time visitors! There is so much to see and do here at Walt Disney World Resort, it can sometimes be overwhelming for first-time visitors. The Panelists are happy to walk you through it step by step! Here are some of their favorite first-timer tips: For more tips or to ask questions about planning your first or your next Disney vacation be sure to visit DisneyParksMomsPanel.com for a personalized response from our knowledgeable panel. Think you would make a great Disney Parks Moms Panelist? Search for our 2018 Panelists starts at noon on September 6th! Learn more about how to apply at MomsPanelSearch.com. View the full article

Are you ready for THE SOLAR ECLIPSE?!? Learn About: La Cava del Tequila Epcot Restaurants Disney World Restaurants La Cava del Tequila sure is… and you can be, too, if you’re in Epcot TODAY. Eclipse Margarita For today only, in honor of the Eclipse, La Cava del Tequila is selling an ECLIPSE MARGARITA for $10! Much like the eclipsed sun later on today (around 2:45 pm in Central FL, FYI), the Eclispe Margarita has a dark hue. It’s made up of Tequila Altos Reposado, orange liquor, lime juice, agave nectar, and food grade activated charcoal. It’s served frozen or on the rocks. And the white topper? That’s lime foam. Eclipse Margarita Here is Pepe, ready to welcome you with an Eclipse Margarita! Pepe and the Eclipse Margarita See You Later, Straws! Aside from the sun, there’s something else on the horizon at La Cava. You won’t see straws in your drinks anymore. The reasoning is twofold: first, environmentally this cuts back on waste. And second, it’s also to “respect (the) salts” that are a major component of many of the drinks at La Cava. @cavadeltequila Twitter If you really want a straw, paper ones will be available upon request. Happy Solar Eclipse Day, everybody! Are you in Disney World on this eventful day? Please let us know with a comment! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: News! La Cava del Tequila’s Margarita Mondays…and more News: Pomegranate Margarita Updated at La Cava del Tequila in Epcot News! “Maelstrom Margarita” at Epcot’s La Cava del Tequila View the full article

Elite U.S. Army 82nd Airborne Division Honored at Walt Disney World Resort View the full article

Perhaps no one here at Walt Disney World Resort is more excited for today’s solar eclipse than Magic Kingdom Park’s resident lounge singer, Sonny Eclipse. The “biggest little star in the galaxy” has been entertaining guests at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe in Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom Park since 1995. Guests can catch his 27-minute set of tunes – and wisecracks – multiple times a day while they dine. In honor of today’s solar eclipse, here are five fun facts about our very own Sonny Eclipse. 1. Sonny’s instrument is an Astro-Organ – The “out-of-this world” instrument he uses for accompaniment is a glowing keyboard-like creation called an Astro-Organ. 2. His hometown is Yew Nork City on Planet Zork – Sonny describes his hometown as a “topsy-turvy town where the subways are up and the streets are down.” 3. Sonny’s repertoire features only original songs – Sonny’s set includes eight original songs, including “Planetary Boogie,” “Bright Little Star,” “Space Angels” “Gravity Blues” and more. The songs were co-created by Walt Disney Imagineering and composer George Wilkens, who had previously written and arranged music for the Food Rocks attraction at Epcot and the “Honey, I Shrunk the Audience” pre-show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. 4. Sonny loves jokes – Sonny incorporates many jokes into his act – the cornier the better! (“You know, I recently heard the universe was expanding. Guess it’s time to loosen the asteroid belt!”). 5. Sonny has three backup singers – Sonny is backed by an invisible trio known as the Space Angels. View the full article

The Sixth Annual Great Irish Hooley will return to Disney Springs with song, dance, and general Celtic merrymaking at Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant! Mark your calendars, as the Hooley kicks off at 3:00PM on Friday September 1, and runs clean through the weekend, to end late on Labor Day, Monday, September 4. The Great Irish Hooley live music line-up includes Elevation, a U2 tribute band; the Lisa Canny Band; and the Gary O’Meara Band. Elevation Lead Singer on stage at Raglan Road The Hooley will feature a full range of family-friendly entertainment, as the Raglan Road Irish Dancers are on hand to perform throughout each day. There will also be Celtic face painting Saturday through Monday. There’s no cover charge for this event. Are you headed to the Hooley? Let us know in the comments below. Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: News: Great Irish Hooley at Raglan Road Irish Pub News: Great Irish Hooley, Plus New Menu Options at Raglan Road in Disney Springs News! The Great Irish Hooley at Disney World’s Raglan Road to Feature “A Knights Brunch” View the full article

In our Disney Doodles series, our team of Disney artists take turns imaging what different characters would do or see if they had the chance to visit a Disney park. In this week’s Doodle, artist Ashley Taylor imagines what Fozzie from The Muppets would do if he had the opportunity to visit Walt Disney World Resort. According to Ashley, his love of laughter may pull him towards a specific Adventureland attraction. “Fozzi is always cracking jokes!” Ashley said. “I can easily imagine him trying out his latest punch lines at the world-famous Jungle Cruise!” View the full article

Since Pandora – The World of Avatar opened earlier this year, theme park fans just can’t get enough. Whether it’s taking a wild adventure atop a mountain banshee at Avatar – Flight of Passage, traveling down the Na’vi River Journey to spy the Na’vi Shaman of Songs, or gazing in amazement at the intricacies of Pandora’s amazing floating mountains, there’s so much fun to be had. And of course, there are many ways guests become even more immersed in Pandoran culture during their visit. Here are five ways we suggest “going Na’vi” at Pandora – The World of Avatar: 1. Create & Personalize Your Own Avatar Action Figure – The ACE Avatar Maker at Windtraders uses state-of-the-art facial scanners to grab your image and create a human/Na’vi hybrid figure. After the image is captured, guests are free to personalize their avatar’s eye color, facial striping pattern, hairstyle and more. 2. Visit Colors of Mo’ara – Colors of Mo’ara helps guests see themselves as one of the Na’vi by giving them Na’vi-inspired face painting with authentic Pandoran markings. 3. Headbands & Tails – What Na’vi look would be complete without accessories? Windtraders carries an assortment of Na’vi inspired headbands, tails, hooded jackets – and even shoes and walking sticks that interact with the land at night. 4. Banshee Matching – A milestone in the life of a Na’vi is when he or she is matched with a Banshee. Head into Windtraders, where cast members are ready to help you find your perfect match. 5. Dine at Satu’li Canteen – Stop into the land’s former RDA mess hall to try a fast-casual menu that’s been inspired by Pandora’s natural abundance. View the full article

Visit Costa Rica With Adventures by Disney View the full article

Rich European Culture on the Adventures by Disney Rhine River Cruise View the full article

This week, we shared another exciting update from Disney’s Hollywood Studios that the Muppets Courtyard, along with a portion of the former Streets of America will be re-imagined by Walt Disney Imagineering to become a new area called Grand Avenue. Grand Avenue is inspired by present-day downtown Los Angeles, featuring vintage office buildings and warehouses representing the different vibrant districts and cultures of the city. One hot spot will be the BaseLine Tap House, a cheerful corner pub specializing in beer and wines from California. Grand Avenue is set to open in fall. Check Jennifer’s original story for more details. And Disney Parks Blog readers were among the first to learn that the Disney Parks Moms Panel Search 2018 is here. The search will open at noon ET on September 6, 2017 and run through noon ET on September 13, 2017. Heading into its 11th year, the Disney Parks Moms Panel is a trusted source offering tailored parent-to-parent vacation advice in a convenient question-and-answer format. Applicants will be selected based on their personal experience with various Disney destinations, and their ability to communicate their Disney knowledge to prospective guests in easy-to understand and friendly ways. To find out more, visit www.momspanelsearch.com. Here are some of the other stories we worked on this week. Watch a #DisneyParksLIVE Stream of ‘Rivers Of Light’ August 22 at 8:40 P.M. EDT – We’re continuing our celebration of summer fun here on the Disney Parks Blog with a special #DisneyParksLIVE stream of “Rivers of Light” on Tuesday, August 22. In case you haven’t seen this amazing nighttime show at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, “Rivers of Light” celebrates animals and nature by combining floating set pieces, lanterns, a soaring musical score, fountains and more. It’s All Treats (No Tricks!) for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort – Halloween kicks off early this year in Magic Kingdom Park, with Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party on select evenings beginning Aug. 25, fun-filled evening with trick-or-treating throughout the park, eerie entertainment and Disney characters that go bump in the night. But it’s more than a dozen specially created treats – some available only during the parties, some all day in Magic Kingdom Park – that are most delectable (and Instagrammable). 14 ‘Must Do’ Coasters At Disney Parks Around the World – When it comes to immersive, high-energy thrill rides – Disney Parks do it better than anyone. Millions of our guests “get their coaster on” at Disney Parks around the world every day. We at Disney Parks Blog put together a list of some of our favorites. We tried to keep it to a “Top 10” but just couldn’t. Let us know your favorites too! Fall Festivals, Parties, Concerts & More Return to the Walt Disney World Resort Aug. 25 – Nothing beats a fall visit to Walt Disney World Resort. In just a few weeks, the season will return early, giving guests more time than ever to experience favorite festivals, parties and more. Here’s what’s on tap this fall at Walt Disney World Resort. Take a Look Inside the Grand Villas at Copper Creek Villas & Cabins – Just a few weeks ago, we welcomed Walt Disney World Resort guests and Disney Vacation Club Members to Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. This new resort offers five unique accommodation types, including Deluxe Studios, 1- and 2-Bedroom Villas, unique waterfront Cascade Cabins and spectacular 3-Bedroom Grand Villas. View the full article

Welcome back to Intermission Food Court! Learn About: Intermission Food Court Disney World Restaurants Located in All Star Music Resort, Intermission Food Court shares a lot in common with its fellow All Star Food Courts: End Zone and World Premiere in All Star Sports and All Star Movies, respectively. You’ll find lots of Counter Service classics like burgers, chicken nuggets, pizzas, hot dogs, and the like. And while you can find menu items unique to each spot and plenty of good grub (remember those super fun milkshakes we talked about earlier this summer?), things can start to feel a bit same ol’, same ol’ every so often. Which is why it was a fun surprise to find a new savory snack at Intermission! I mean, what about those moments when you’re kinda over French Fries and chips? Enter: Fried Pickles… when you can find them, that is (more on that later). Fried Pickles These Fried Pickles are an option as a side for an entree, and you can also get them as a snack on their own. They come with six pickle spears and a pouch of Ken’s Ranch Dressing. Fried Pickles with Ranch The pickles are coated in a thick batter, which is packed with dill. So packed, you can’t miss it. They’re fried golden brown and a have a satisfying crunch when you bite into them. Tons of Dill Guests who really dig batter will like these. But those who are more into the pickle might not be as happy. They’re kinda on the thin side, so you don’t get as much actual juicy, briney pickle as you might expect. Fried Pickle Cross-Section The sizeable gap in the top layer of the batter makes us wonder if maybe the soft interior of the pickle cooked down in the frying process, and maybe disappeared a bit. But the overall flavor and texture are really good. And these are definitely a break from the typical savory food court snack. Fried Pickle Spears The Ranch Dressing is obviously standard, but it does go well with the heavily dill-infused pickles. Ken’s Ranch Dressing At $4.49 (or a snack credit on the Disney Dining Plan), these might be a bit of a stretch in terms of value. There are six spears, but they aren’t exactly huge. So, the Fried Pickles, which are an appetizer at Sci-Fi Dine In are still the best option if you’re… umm, in a pickle when it comes to finding the best Fried Pickles. But if you want something different in the food court and love that dill flavor, these could be a winner for you! Now, here’s the deal with finding them: the Fried Pickles aren’t available every day. They carry them for special events and such at the Resort, so when they DO have them, they’ll also sell them at the food court until they are sold out. So, if you don’t see them on the menu, be sure to ask if you’re interested… you may have a bit of Fried Pickle luck! Don’t Miss Out on the ALL the Best Snacks Walt Disney World Has to Offer! Get four awesome e-Books FULL of Disney park dining advice, bundled for 30% off the already discounted price! Yep, we’ve scoured the parks to find any and all snack choices — from the mundane to the spectacular — and we tell you all about them (with full-color pictures!) in our snack guides! These are updated every year, so you know your guide will be perfect for your upcoming trip, and they’re bundled with our DFB Guide to WDW Dining! This money-saving bundle includes all of the following: The 2017 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining, Second Edition The DFB Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks The DFB Guide to Epcot Snacks The DFB Guide to Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios Snacks All four are being sold together — for 30% off the already hugely discounted bundle price. Use code BUNDLE17 at check out to get the discount. It’s a $63 value for under $30!! With this Bundle of e-books you’ll have everything you need at your fingertips to plan the best Disney World vacation ever. And with our handy e-book format, you can download the Guides to all of your electronic devices and take them with you wherever you go! And with our 100% money-back guarantee, what do you have to lose? What’s your favorite savory Disney Parks snack? Please let us know with a comment! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: Guest Review: Intermission Food Court Lunch/Dinner at Disney’s All Star Music Resort News: Intermission Food Court at Disney’s All Star Music Resort to Close for Renovations Starting August 1 Guest Review: Intermission Food Court Breakfast at All Star Music Resort View the full article

Hey Guys! We’re back with another DFB Video today, and we’re getting down to the serious business of what you MUST eat at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge! Zebra Domes There are so many fantastic options to explore in this Deluxe Disney Hotel. From incredible soups at Boma to the Peanut Butter Brownie at The Mara…to, well, everything at both Jiko and Sanaa! You can’t go wrong. There’s so much to explore, and you won’t want to miss a thing — so take a look at our list of can’t miss eats at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. And if you love this video, there’s plenty more for you to enjoy over on our DFB YouTube Channel! By the way, have you subscribed yet? If you hit the button below, you can subscribe to the channel and never miss a single episode! So check out the video and then let us know: what are your favorite places to dine at AKL? Leave a comment and let us know! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: DFB Video: GET THIS at Disney’s Animal Kingdom New DFB Video Review: Dawa Bar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom DFB Video Review: The NEW Geyser Point Bar and Grill at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge View the full article

Thousands Attend the 'American Idol' Bus Tour at Disney Springs View the full article

Earlier this week, Disney foodie Pam Brandon shared a sneak peek at some the treats that will be available only during this year’s Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party – which returns to Magic Kingdom Park on Friday, August 25. Click through the gallery above for a look the sweet surprises inspired by the Haunted Mansion, characters like Jack Skellington, pumpkin Mickeys and more. Which treat would be your top pick? Tell us in the comments section below. Don’t forget – Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party has a lot more to offer than just mouthwatering treats. Check out the full Not-So-Scary rundown in this previous post or buy tickets here. View the full article

New on Blu-ray “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” (Disney/Buena Vista DVD, $26.99; Blu-ray, $39.99; 4K, $44.98; also available on VOD) The interstellar superheroics of the original “Guardians of the Galaxy” become even brighter and zippier in the sequel, which puts Chris Pratt’s Peter “Star-Lord”... View the full article

WOW! Just two weeks ago we broke the news that Vanilla Dole Whip had returned to Aloha Isle. Learn About: Sunshine Tree Terrace Magic Kingdom Disney World Restaurants And now we’ve got MORE news regarding another Adventureland iconic snack… It’s the Citrus Swirl from Sunshine Tree Terrace! The tart orange slush (like frozen OJ) swirled with vanilla soft serve just got a MAJOR update. Because you can now get a Citrus Swirl Orange Float! Citrus Swirl Orange Float Here’s the deal: you won’t even see this on the Sunshine Tree Terrace menu… yet. Sunshine Tree Terrace Menu But it IS on the official Disney World online menus. Sunshine Tree Terrace Online Menu And you’ll notice — as you can tell in these pictures — that the Citrus Swirl Orange Float is the Citrus Swirl floating in a glass of bubbly orange soda. Citrus Swirl Orange Float So it’s an extra ORANGE BLAST from my friend and yours… the Little Orange Bird! Little Orange Bird Plush Now THIS is Florida in a glass, for sure! And remember… you can request it TODAY even though it’s not on the menu yet! Citrus Swirl Orange Float Cheers from Adventureland! Will you be ordering a Citrus Swirl Orange Float? Please let us know with a comment! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: Snack Series: Citrus Swirl at Magic Kingdom’s Sunshine Tree Terrace Snack Series: Orange Bird Souvenir Cup at Sunshine Tree Terrace Secret Menu: Disney World Citrus Swirl…JUST THE CITRUS!!!! View the full article

There’s nothing more exciting than seeing a plan come together, but when it begins as a wish or a dream, and then becomes a reality? Well, that’s what we call MAGIC! Over the years, Disney PhotoPass Service has grown from a small, relatively unknown service at the Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort, to the present-day experience offered at Disney Parks & Resorts around the world. We’ve got thousands of Photographers working around the clock in six different time zones, capturing tens of millions of your treasured Disney memories. So, let’s take a quick look at what’s happening around the world for PhotoPass: Tomorrow, August 19, brings the return of Disney PhotoPass Day at Walt Disney World Resort—and the expansion of the celebration to Disneyland Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland and Shanghai Disneyland. It’s a celebration of photos, with each park offering a variety of unique and exclusive photo opportunities. And, as we announced earlier this week, each park will feature exciting opportunities to meet your favorite Disney Princesses as part of our “Dream Big, Princess” campaign. Feeling the inspiration, but can’t make it to one of our Disney PhotoPass Day events? Not to worry—help bring the hopes and dreams of women around the world to focus when you share or like any public post of a photo using #DreamBigPrincess on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. From August 15-October 11, 2017, Disney Worldwide Services will donate US $1 for a minimum donation of US $500,000 and a maximum of US $1 million. For our friends near the Disneyland Resort, time’s-a-wasting for your chance to experience our Summer of Heroes before it ends September 9! Discover your inner hero when you meet some of your favorites face-to-face! Don’t miss your chance to spot the Reclusive Black Widow, hang with Spider-Man or stand with Captain America. And now, capturing your Disneyland Resort memories with PhotoPass is even easier than ever, with a MaxPass purchase or upgrade. MaxPass entitles you to unlimited digital PhotoPass photos for either a day, or the lifetime of your qualified Annual Passport. Click here for more info on how to capture your best PhotoPass photos and Maximize your Visit with Disney MaxPass. And, check out how our partners at Tokyo Disney Sea have taken photo props to a whole new level, as they wrap up their Disney Pirates Summer on August 31st. Aye, tales there be plenty in this cursed place…sail on over and capture your favorite memory before time runs out! So, no excuses…hop on a bus, take a plane, jump in that ferry or drive over to your favorite Disney Park to create and capture your favorite PhotoPass memories. Don’t forget to tag us at #DisneyPhotoPass so we can follow along! View the full article

Here’s a rare glimpse of the “Remember … Dreams Come True” fireworks spectacular from the Fireworks Factory in Mickey’s Toontown at Disneyland park. Consult your guide map for Mickey’s Toontown operating hours. View the full article

Walt Disney World was buzzing yesterday while thousands descended upon Disney Springs to audition to become the next American Idol. Idol-winners Jordin Sparks, Kris Allen and Ruben Studdard made a special appearance and greeted lucky audition participants during the kickoff celebration of the search for America’s next superstar. If you didn’t make it don’t worry because you still have plenty of audition options. You can become a part of Idol history by auditioning via the American Idol pop-up audition kiosk, now at the Marketplace stalls right here at Disney Springs through mid-September. During regular Disney Springs operating hours, visitors can create and submit their very own audition video at the kiosk. The Idol Bus tour continues through September 14th hitting Boston, Chicago, Pittsburgh, Denver, Louisville and many more. To see the full list of Idol bus stops and to audition online visit americanidol.com. Click the video below to see the excitement from the auditions at Disney Springs. All singers must be at least 15 years old to audition. To pre-register and for additional details, full eligibility requirements, submission forms, and terms and conditions, visit americanidol.com. View the full article

With winners in all 50 states and more than 75 countries, each year Wine Spectator magazine honors restaurants with outstanding dedication to wine. Eight Disney restaurants are among the 2017 honorees, noted for “elevating wine selection and service around the world and encouraging strong programs that complement a variety of cuisines, settings and prices.” Three restaurants won the “Best of Award of Excellence,” honoring wine programs that “take their commitment a step further, wine lists that display excellent breadth across multiple regions and/or significant vertical depth of top wines, along with superior presentation.” 1. Napa Rose at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa 2. Shula’s Steak House at the Walt Disney World Dolphin 3. Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Five restaurants won the “Award of Excellence,” recognizing restaurants whose wine lists feature a “well-chosen assortment of quality producers along with a thematic match to the menu in both price and style.” 1. Cítricos at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa 2. Flying Fish at Disney’s BoardWalk Resort 3. Il Mulino New York Trattoria at the Walt Disney World Swan 4. Narcoossee’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa 5. Todd English’s bluezoo at the Walt Disney World Dolphin Since 1997, more than 1,400 Walt Disney Parks and Resorts cast members have been accredited with a sommelier diploma through the Court of Master Sommeliers Americas – with 9 receiving the Advanced Sommelier Diploma and 3 receiving the highest honor of Master Sommelier. View the full article

Get set for a magical Pixar weekend of fun-filled runs as the Disneyland Resort from August 31-September 3. Guests attending this exciting weekend will find a variety of commemorative products created especially for the event. I recently spoke with Mary Myers, Merchandise Product Developer for runDisney events, who told me participants will find both beloved favorites and a few new options to remember their races. “We had fun developing products for the Pixar-themed event this year,” explained Mary. “We included characters from ‘Toy Story,’ ‘Monsters, Inc.,’ and ‘The Incredibles’ in the artwork, which is something we haven’t previously featured at a runDisney event. Guests will find popular returning items such as ‘I Did It’ shirts, pins, and car magnets. We are also introducing several new things including Tervis drinkware and a Pixar-themed runDisney medal holder.” Guests will find a logo assortment for the overall race weekend which includes apparel, a hat, drinkware and pins. Mary also told me the black zip jacket, a pre-order item, will also be available at the event for those guests who may have missed it. Buzz Lightyear, Woody, and Jesse from “Toy Story” are showcased on products for the Disneyland Half Marathon. Products will include shirts, a zip jacket, car magnet, and pins. The back of the tank top has a fun nod to a popular phrase uttered by the Little Green Men. The Disneyland 5K items will feature Mrs. And Mr. Incredible and their family, while favorite scarers from Monstropolis, Mike and Sulley, will be found on Disneyland 10K products. Look for apparel, pins, and magnets. This year also marks the 5th Anniversary of the Disneyland Double Dare, the ultimate challenge that combines the 10K on Saturday with the Half Marathon on Sunday. Select items created for this races will include a 5th Anniversary logo found in the artwork. Finally, we will continue the series of commemorative shoe ornaments inspired by various runDisney events. This new ornament includes a nod to Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland park. Look for these items and more at the runDisney Health & Fitness Expo in the Disneyland Hotel Exhibit Hall during the following dates and times: August 31 – 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. September 1 – Noon – 8 p.m. September 2 – 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. View the full article